The Near Witch by V.E. Schwab

The First 100 pages of Near Witch sets up the Hero's journey the same way that all other narratives do; with the introduction of the world and character as they are at present. Then the story unfurls with the introduction of an outsider and a problem.

The First Person point-of-view is actually done with a purpose in this story as it offers the limited prospective needed to create an immediate sense of anxiety. With children vanishing and a potential outsider labeled as the culprit, the protagonist sets off to find the truth in a small town that is set in their ways.

I found myself unable to put this book down, so much so that I was often found consuming the pages anytime I was waiting.

I highly recommend this book as an example of pacing, First Person point-of-view, as well as standalone narratives.